Pakistan among Muslim nations welcoming UK-led sanctions on Israeli settlements

More than half a dozen Arab and Muslim countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, on Wednesday welcomed UK-led sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. They urged other countries to take similar steps.

Which countries welcomed the UK sanctions on Israeli settlements?

The foreign ministers of eight countries, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, issued a joint statement welcoming the UK's decision to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. They also praised other Western countries for announcing plans to restrict trade with the settlements.

What did Pakistan's Foreign Office say about the sanctions?

Pakistan's Foreign Office said the continued expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory violates international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. It said Israel's actions hinder a two-state solution and welcomed the joint statement from the 12 countries considering similar measures.

The Foreign Office said it hopes the measures will send a clear message rejecting illegal actions in the occupied Palestinian territory. Islamabad also reiterated its support for Palestinians and their struggle for self-determination.

Why did Britain, France and Canada impose the trade curbs?

Britain, France and Canada joined nine other European countries on Tuesday in a joint statement announcing plans to introduce or support restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements. The three countries cited Israel's West Bank settlements policy and reports of rising settler attacks against Palestinians. A UK minister accused Israel of turning a blind eye to what he called the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in the West Bank.

The announcement prompted Israel to unveil immediate counter-measures targeting Britain. Later Tuesday, the leaders of Britain, France and Canada issued a further joint declaration warning that the settlements pose a direct and urgent threat to a two-state solution.